Smarties, Bit-o-Honeys, and Lifesavers were appropriate snacks of choice for Wednesday’s press conference to celebrate the first Community Education Spell-a-Bration.

The Spell-a-Bration is an adult spelling bee and Community Education fundraiser open to teams in the Bowling Green and Warren County area, said Anne Grubbs, enrichment coordinator. It’s planned for 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at Moss Middle School on Russellville Road.

“We’ve been looking for that signature event that fits our mission: lifelong learning,” she said. “What else could we do?”

Companies sponsor three-member teams, who will receive a packet of words to study. Teams are asked to raise $300 each, which will benefit Community Education programs. On the night of the spelling bee, WBKO personality Gene Birk will read the words aloud, and the teams will be able to talk among themselves before the appointed speller steps to the microphone. If someone misspells a word, Grubbs said, they’re out, but the rest of their team remains.

Teams are encouraged to come up with names and costumes, said Community Education Executive Director Debi Jordan, and attendees will be able to vote for the team they like best.

“Anne and I have a lot of really way-out name ideas if anyone wants to bribe us,” Jordan joked.

Drew Stahlman, human resources manager at title sponsor Hill’s Pet Nutrition, said his company gladly supports Community Education.

“Any education effort we can do for young people is going to benefit everybody, including local industries,” he said.

Community Education, founded in 1973, provides before- and after-school programs for area children, as well as adult education classes for lifelong learners, Jordan said. The money raised from this spelling bee will help provide equipment so Community Education’s 18 sites can more easily communicate with one another.

In addition to the spelling bee, for which 10 teams have already registered, Community Education will offer a chili supper, a silent auction, and a dessert bar for the audience, Grubbs said. Spelling teams get special snacks to keep them motivated.

“We’re excited about it,” Grubbs said. “We think it’s going to be new, unique, and remember – it’s all in the spirit of fun.”

To enter a team or for more information, contact Community Education at 842-4281.
Registration forms must be received by Feb. 10. Payments must be made by Feb. 17.

– Spell-a-Bration is sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Huish Detergents Inc., Meyer Mortgage Corporation, SouthCentral Bank, Coca-Cola, Fed Ex/Kinko’s, WGGC, WBKO and the Daily News.

 

Adams, Rachel (2006, February). Spell-a-Bration set for Feb. 28 at Moss Middle. Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved from http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/spell-a-bration-set-for-feb-at-moss-middle/article_822d4528-ceb1-58a6-b38b-e4be03ea60d9.html